If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal: A Charming Yet Flawed Journey Through Friendship and Love
When I first stumbled upon If We Were a Movie, I was instantly drawn in—not just by its vibrant cover, which begs to be showcased on every Instagram feed, but also by the promise of a sapphic romance that melds the chaos of adolescence with a theatrical backdrop. Zakiya N. Jamal’s writing felt like an invitation to step into the lives of Rochelle and Amira, and as a fan of coming-of-age stories, I eagerly dove into this cute tale. However, while I enjoyed it, my experience was bittersweet, landing it at a solid 2.5/5 stars.
At the heart of the story are two dynamic characters: Rochelle, an intelligent, somewhat introverted young woman, and Amira, her snarky, ambitious counterpart. Rochelle’s drive to secure her future at Wharton blends her rational side with an unexpected hot-headedness—her journey of introspection was a highlight for me. Watching her navigate her feelings was reminiscent of my own teenage years, an experience tinged with angst. Meanwhile, Amira’s sass and dedication—particularly to her role as assistant manager at Horizon—made for a refreshing counterpart to Rochelle’s more reserved nature. Their banter sparkles, and the transition from frenemies to something more felt organic, creating a heartbeat that propelled me through the pages.
What truly brought Horizon—and the narrative—to life were the side characters. Each one, from the bookish overachiever to the quintessential drama queen, offered a delightful cast that mirrored the diversity of high school. As I watched them weave in and out of Rochelle and Amira’s blossoming relationship, I found myself chuckling at their antics, especially at the genuinely relatable Kerry. Her eccentricity was a welcome breath of fresh air, and I couldn’t help but wish I had a friend like her in my own high school days.
While the character dynamics were engaging, the pacing often fell flat, leaving me occasionally dragging through the plot. At times, it felt like the story was teetering on the edge of predictability, with Rochelle unraveling the core conflict far too early. I found myself longing for more intrigue or unexpected twists to invigorate the narrative. Although the light-hearted tone and slice-of-life moments provided some charm, they sometimes felt like a missed opportunity for deeper character development.
Ultimately, If We Were a Movie stands as a testament to young love and friendship, even if it stumbles along the way. While it may not fully meet my expectations, I genuinely believe that it will resonate with readers looking for a light, swift read. It’s perfect for anyone who cherishes themes of identity, connection, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Despite my critiques, I enjoyed my time in this world—and I’m excited to see where Zakiya N. Jamal takes us next.
So if you’re someone who finds comfort in youthful flings and the chaos of friendship dynamics, I encourage you to add If We Were a Movie to your TBR list—it’s officially hitting shelves on April 22, 2025, and could be the perfect light read you need!